STAND COUNTED. Not a few World War II veterans used the Araw ng Kagitingan observance to speak out against China’s expansion in the Spratlys. (CDN PHOTO/JUNJIE MENDOZA)
Yesterday’s observance of the 74th Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Courage) should remind Filipinos to choose the right candidates in the May 9 elections, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama said yesterday.
In a speech during Cebu City Hall’s commemoration of the event at the Plaza Independencia, Rama said the struggle and sacrifice of the country’s war veterans would not be in vain if the Filipinos choose their next leaders well.
“The lessons that were imparted to all of you, election is coming, May 9, and I was asked what will be your message when you talk about the day of heroes? I said heroism is a product of a choice and that choice is loving your country,” he told Cebu City Hall employees in attendance.
The mayor said city residents should vote with their conscience and choose leaders who they believe are loyal to God and country.
“Competent to run this country, educationally grounded, service record beyond reproof,” Rama said.
In a speech delivered one month before the elections in Bataan, President Benigno Aquino III thanked the Filipinos for voting him to office.
He also called on Filipinos to choose their next leaders wisely as he took a swipe on rivals of Liberal Party standard-bearer Mar Roxas.
“What we can do is train our sights to the future and the fulfillment of our dreams. Let us make sure not to forget lessons from the past. You know that our country is facing another crossroads in the upcoming elections,” Mr. Aquino said in Filipino.
At Cebu City Hall, a Mass and a wreath laying were held to mark the Araw ng Kagitingan.
In a speech, Lt. Mario Marasigan of the Veterans Federation of the Philippines said neither communism nor any insurgent group will prosper in the country due to the Filipino’s faith in God.
“We Filipino people are God fearing and peace loving and we still have a strong military who adheres to our Constitution and our national integrity,” Marasigan said.
Marasigan also spoke out against China’s expansion in the Spratlys Islands area, saying it is a big insult to the Filipino people.
“We, the post-war veterans, as mandated by our laws, are very willing to join our armed forces again to fight any foreign aggression. Giving our lives in the service of God, country and people is our supreme sacrifice,” he said./with an Inquirer report
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